Magic explains why winning a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics means more than NBA or NCAA titles: "I finally got the chance to play with Michael and Larry"
Magic explains why winning a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics means more than NBA or NCAA titles: "I finally got the chance to play with Michael and Larry" originally appeared on Basketball Network.
When it comes to winning, Magic Johnson's resume is a masterclass in greatness. Five-time NBA champion, three-time league MVP, NCAA title at Michigan State, Olympic gold medalist, and the face of the Los Angeles Lakers Showtime dynasty that shaped the 1980s basketball.
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Johnson's trophy cabinet is practically a museum packed with accolades that define what it means to be one of the all-time greats. But for all the rings, hardware, and moments, there's one title that still stands above the rest in Magic's heart.
And no, it's not the '80 showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers in which he pulled a 42-point and 15-rebound stat line to close out the series in Game 6. It's not his epic rivalry with the Boston Celtics all through the decade. It's not even the 1987 Finals when he hit the "junior sky hook" in Boston Garden.
The one that meant the most came in 1992 — when he finally got to share the floor with his rivals instead of against them.
"I think the Gold medal, because of this…" said Johnson, while quickly continuing to explain, "I finally got the chance to play with Michael and Larry."
Magic crossed off the final thing on his basketball bucket list
By the time the 1992 Olympics rolled around, Magic had already announced his retirement from the NBA due to his HIV diagnosis. But when the call came to be part of Team USA's first-ever roster made up of professional players, he didn't hesitate.
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That team wasn't just great — it was mythical, stacked with legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, and John Stockton, all anchored by Magic Man at point guard, orchestrating the game as the floor general of a squad that is still considered the best assembly of hoopers ever to walk on the hardwood.
"On my bucket list, I've always wanted to just throw a pass to both of those guys. Like a no-look pass, lick coming down the middle. I'm coming down and there is Larry in the corner, just no-look him really fast and let him shoot that beautiful jump shot. And then Larry talks trash, I love that, he talks trash…. And then Michael coming down the middle with the tongue out, Nothing like it," the Hall of Famer added.
It was pure basketball joy. Truth be told, the games weren't even competitive — the Dream Team beat opponents by an average of 44 points. But it didn't matter because the magic wasn't in the score. It was in the connection between legends who once went to war against each other, now sharing the same uniform and writing history that is still talked about to this day.
Related: "I don't think I should defend myself anymore, I'm done with that in my life" - Allen Iverson on why he's had enough trying to defend his public image
Brothers before rivals
In a sport built on competition, Magic and Larry were the fiercest of rivals. Their battles began in the 1979 NCAA championship game and spilled over into nearly a decade of NBA Finals drama. And yet, underneath the competition was something deeper: mutual respect that defined their relationship.
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It's the kind of thing that only happens once every four years — if that. Three all-time legends wearing the same jersey, fully bought in, sharing the ball, and soaking in the moment. But in Barcelona, that's exactly what unfolded.
They were rivals, yes — but in that summer, they became brothers in basketball. And for Magic, no ring, no MVP, and no banner could match that feeling.
Related: "Yeah, they'll probably have to do something" - Bird says the NBA will be forced to move the 3-point line back if high volume continues
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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